In Australia, Christmas Day celebrations December 25, fall at the height of summer.
That's why Australians celebrate Christmas not with snow but with grains of white sand and searing heat waves.
Here's a portrait of the uniqueness of Christmas in “Down Under” that blends historical heritage with relaxed climatic adaptations.
From British Tradition to Local Adaptation
The history of Christmas in Australia begins in 1788. The English settlers who arrived at Sydney Cove tried to bring their winter traditions to new lands. However, the reality says otherwise; they are greeted with extreme temperatures above 30°C.
Because there are no spruce trees, they use Christmas Bush, a native Australian plant with bright red flowers, as a substitute for Christmas trees. Until now, this flower remains the eternal symbol of Australian Christmas on the dinner table.
The Evolution of the Menu: From Turkey to Seafood
Australians in ancient times forced themselves to eat hot roast turkey and heavy plum pudding amid 40°C weather.
However, in the 1960s and 70s, the culture began to shift. The tradition of “Christmas Barbie” (Barbecue) was born.
Now, the main ritual begins with the “Prawn Run” — long lines at the fish market from 3 a.m. to get fresh shrimp.
Source: Moment RF / Sol de Zuasnabar Brebbia/Getty Images
Backyard Cricket and Santa Claus on the Beach
Australia's Christmas celebrations are not complete without Backyard Cricket. With unique rules—such as an “out” if the ball goes over a neighbor's fence—the game brings families together in laughter.
In addition to being at home, the beach becomes a center of crowds. At famous beaches such as Bondi Beach, it's not uncommon to see Santa swapping his fur cape for skateboard shorts, paddling a kayak amid the crashing waves.
Chants Under the Southern Cross Constellations
As night fell, thousands gathered in the park for the “Carols by Candlelight” tradition. Under a warm night sky and Southern Cross constellations, they sang a Christmas song whose lyrics had been adapted. Instead of a deer-drawn carriage breaking through the snow, the local song recounts the Six White Boomers (six white male kangaroos) pulling Santa's chariot past a dusty bush.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 01:Carols by Candlelight is an annual Australian Christmas tradition that originated in southeastern Australia in the 19th century and was popularised in Melbourne. January 01 1991 in Melbourne, Australia (Photo by Impressions / Getty Images) Credit: Impressions/Getty Images
Merry Christmas 2025.
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